(header image) - Photo of two graduate students working with a brainwave-sensing device.

CAREERS

Database Administrator

Description

Database Administators identify user needs, set up computer databases, write programs to manipulate databases, and test systems. They ensure that systems perform as they should and add users to the system as needed. Database administrators often plan security measures. Data integrity, backup, and security are critical parts of the job.

Education Required

A bachelor’s degree in a field like information technology or information systems is often required for a position as a database administrator. However, in some cases, training from a community college may be sufficient to land a job in this field.

At Colorado State, you could choose from Computer Information Systems, Applied Computing Technology: Computing Technology Concentration, or Computer Science, especially if you choose elective courses relating to databases and database programming.

Strengths Sought By Employers

Database administrators must have good teamwork skills, be able to think logically, have the ability to concentrate, and be able to pay close attention to details. They must also be able to communicate well with others, including other employees who may have no special computer experience.

Employment Opportunities

Virtually all large and mid-sized companies, and some small companies, employ database administrators to manage personnel and payroll data, sales data, and inventory. Government agencies, hospitals, school systems, and colleges and universities also hire database administrators.

Salary Information

For information about estimated mean salary for this occupation please visit Occupational Employment and Wages.

For More Information

Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators

Database Administrator

O*Net OnLine, Database Administrators

Back to Careers Chart